With our own communications tools, we can reach some of our members some of the time, and that work is critical. BUT we would also like to get labor's message out to more members, to our allies, and even to the public in general. A post on our web site may reach hundreds, but a favorable article in a commercial newspaper or television news show may reach millions!
Understand Commercial Media
Click here for an overview of the commercial media. In general, the six corporations that dominate all American media are not friends of ours, but we can sometimes get friendly news coverage if we work at it. Here are some tips:
- Really good labor publicists develop friendships with news reporters and stay in touch
- News statements and releases should be short, strong, and limited to one subject. If there are multiple subjects, make multiple statements
- Talk shows are accessible and effective. They are among the most democratic parts of the news spectrum
- Letters to editors are among the most popular features of any news outlet. Additionally, reporters read them. Give it a try!
- The messages that labor releases on its own platforms help keep the commercial newspersons honest
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